Nora Azmani
IB3G
Chemistry HL
Dr. Petersen
Date of submission: 01/12/2014
Comparing the Enthalpy Changes of Combustion of Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and Butanol(CH3CH2CH2CH2OH) in order to determine which one of them that is the more efficient as a fuel.
Objective
The purpose of this lab is to determine the fuel efficiency of the two alcohols Ethanol and Butanol, by comparing their respective enthalpy changes. The most efficient fuel will be the one with the highest enthalpy change of combustion. The enthalpy changes will be determined by examining the effect the alcohols have on the water’s temperature change.
Balanced Equations for the Combustion reactions of Ethanol and Butanol:
Ethanol combustion:
CH3CH2OH(l)+ 3O2 (g) --> 2 CO2 (g) + 3
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Measure and record the total mass of water and the beaker. Subtract this with the value from step 2 in order to achieve the initial mass of water.
Using the electronic scale, Measure and record the mass(g) of the alcohol burner, continue by measuring 150 g of ethanol and insert it into the alcohol burner.
Place the wire gauze on top of ring clamp belonging to the ring stand.
Place the 250ml beaker on top of the wire gauze. Arrange so that there will be a 10 cm distance between the wire gauze and the wick of the burner when the alcohol burner is placed underneath the clamp.
Use a thermometer to measure and record the initial temperature of the water.
Light the wick of the alcohol burner containing ethanol using a lighter or a match. Use a stopwatch to track the time of the combustion of ethanol. While the water within the beaker is being heated, use a stirring rod to stir it.
Put the fire out when 4 minutes have elapsed.
For safety precautions, let it cool off a bit before using the scale to measure and record, the final mass of the alcohol burner containing the ethanol. Subtract the mass of the alcohol burner gained in step 4 to achieve the final mass of the alcohol. Use the thermometer to record the final temperature of the distilled